Marc Kern, Ph.D. on Rational Alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous

In this episode of the Wise Counsel Podcast, Dr. Van Nuys speaks with Psychologist Marc Kern, Ph.D. on the topic of addiction treatment with an emphasis on alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous and twelve step programs. Dr. Kern became interested in treating addictions as a result of his own experience dealing with addictions that he had developed while in college living in a fraternity environment that encouraged substantial substance experimentation. Part of the treatment he was prescribed for his addiction involved referral to Alcoholics Anonymous. He did attend AA multiple times, but ultimately found that it was not a good fit for him. He objected to the religious nature of AA's philosophy of treatment, their promotion of a general view of the alcoholic self as essentially powerless, and their salvation oriented view promoting the idea that the only path available to the alcoholic through which he can become powerful again is through submission to a higher power. He also objected to the lack of logical rigor he found, which irritated and alienated him. His realization that AA was not for him caused him to look for alternative ways that addiction could be treated. He was surprised to find that there were many alternatives. Having found his mission in life (to help himself and others recover from addictions), he went on to return to school, became a clinical psychologist, and has worked as a therapist, coach and consultant ever since.